The banner over the door of St James church, New Barnet (click on the photo, above, to enlarge it) left people in no doubt that 30th November 2019 was the chosen date for Cherry Lodge Cancer Care’s very popular annual Christmas Market.
The Market was opened at 11am by the lovely singing on stage of a group of chidren from Cromer school. Many thanks to all of them – and to the many parents who came along to listen to their youngsters and do some Christmas shopping. The many stalls offered a great selection of lovely and unusual gifts, Christmas tree decorations, furry toys, plants, dried herbs, soaps, etc. There was also some delicious local honey to taste and buy. Locally made relishes and preserves disappeared very quickly on account of their well established excellent reputation – thank you Sheila and Garth.
As can be seen in our photographs, there is clearly a lot of talent in the borough and the sheer variety of cards, wooden tree decorations, baubles and floral creations was most impressive. An assortment of jewellery, made by some very creative people, and some original artworks also gave plenty of opportunity for spending. The Cherry Lodge merchandise stall offered a range of goods, including wonderfully warm hats so there is no excuse for anybody’s head to be uncovered, whatever the winter may bring.
The children were kept busy and entertained by Loretta and her volunteers and it was not just the young ones who were seen to be busy with colouring books and crayons. There was also very good quality face painting, a chance to receive an early Christmas present from Santa, and a children’s tombola (photo 10, below) stacked with toys. Adults also had the fun of their own tombola.
The Market cafe, staffed by always cheery, regular Cherry Lodge volunteers, offered tasty home-made soup, samosas and an impressive array of home-made cakes. At 2pm, the Cherry Lodge Singing Group treated everyone to some well known carols and reminded those of us who might have forgotten, that Christmas is not that far off.
Raffle tickets were on sale (with a free one included in the 50p entrance fee). The prize was an excellent Christmas hamper, donated as in previous years by a generous Cherry Lodge volunteer. As our final photo, below, makes clear, there was to be no possible questioning of the fairness of the draw. The winner was Marie, who had already left the Market but was clearly thrilled when she received a call on her mobile to tell her the good news.
This ever popular event was another great success for Cherry Lodge Cancer Care’s fundraisers. Thank you to all of you.
Click on the small images below to see larger, complete photographs.
